Succeeding in the classroom is a great way for all cheerleaders to build up the reputation of Cheer! These days we as an industry hold a bad reputation for being stereotypically not the brightest.
This couldn’t be further from the truth! Some of the most intelligent people I know have been, or are, cheerleaders. Of course student athlete failure does occur. It can be debilitating to a team. Especially if it happens during competition season.
This blog takes a look at 10 different actions that lead to success in the classroom and therefore in the cheer gym. As choreographers who travel and work with so many different gyms in different parts of the country we can tell you that no matter what kind of team we’re choreographing student performance can be improved with a coach that puts a little bit of effort in to helping their athletes understand the importance of being a hard working student.
Students in our experience seem to be less willing to listen to parents and teachers as compared to coaches. So we can use this to our advantage. All it takes is a 15 minute meeting with your athletes before school starts and maybe you’ll see a season worth of difference from planting the seed!
- Keep your Textbooks.
- Students are at a tremendous disadvantage if they let their books stay in their lockers all year, or if they stay at home. If the athletes have their books between school and home, online or not, then you’ll see the difference in their grades. Most classes are built off of a textbook not google, so tests will be easier with the book!
- Attend Class Regularly.
- Not only does attendance speak to an athlete’s seriousness as a student, it also helps a student to better understand the concepts in a class. Not a bad habit to build for cheerleading either ;). Missing fewer practices helps you to get where you want to be during choreography.
- While In Class Be Present.
- Tell those kids to turn off the cell phones, ipads, apple watches, laptops, and anything else that we adults don’t know about yet that could be a distraction. That way they can turn on the focus!
- Read Actively.
- When they are reading that book they’re taking with them everywhere it’s important that they take time to mark anything they think might be important. If they can’t write in the book then using post it notes is just as good!
- Take Notes In Class
- This is the biggest game changer. Facts, concepts, discussion points, all the all. They should be writing down constantly throughout class. It might also help them squeeze those grips better at practice!
- Do Your Own Work
- It only takes one time cheating for an athlete to be held in front of a disciplinary panel, or given a 0 that could guarantee failure in a class. Encourage the kids to do their own work. Remind them that turn it in software these days makes it impossible to get away with plagiarism.
- Turn Assignments In On Time.
- If you’re late to a competition then you probably won’t compete. Athletes understand this. Relate their school assignments through metaphor and watch it click! Late work is usually penalized with a lower grade in classes!
- Read Chapters Before Getting To Class.
- Just like cheerleaders read practice plans before coming into the gym they should be reading the book to get an idea of what they will be learning about in class prior to attending. This is just like practicing your dance before the practice after choreography.
- Communicate.
- If cheerleaders are struggling at practice they talk to the coach. The same should go for school. Let the teacher know how you are doing in class if you need help or want to talk about the material in more detail.
- Introduce Yourself.
- Middle school and athletes tend to be in multiple teacher’s classes. You could go weeks without talking to a teacher or them even knowing your name. It’s important to make sure they know who you are as soon as possible.
- Middle school and athletes tend to be in multiple teacher’s classes. You could go weeks without talking to a teacher or them even knowing your name. It’s important to make sure they know who you are as soon as possible.
These tips are tried and true to produce great students and keep your team together throughout the entire season. Teachers and parents will also appreciate the role you play in their kids’ lives more as well. As coaches you play a huge role in your athletes’ success in life just from training their mindset. Check out our Dancing Queen blog post for other ways to make your athletes better!
Dream Choreo 